Carles Puyol's rather wild appearance was a staple in the Barcelona defence for 15 years and 100 Spain caps, including during the successful 2010 World Cup.

His long hair made him one of the most recognisable faces in world football.

At least in most countries anyway.

Because it seems as though Puyol's appearance isn't so well-known in Iran.

The former defender, now 40, was scheduled to appear on IRTV 3 in a programme previewing the Iran versus Spain game on Wednesday , only to be pulled from it at the last minute.

Because of his hair.

(Image: Getty Images North America)

He was a key member of the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup (Image: AFP)

Puyol was scheduled to appear alongside host Adel Ferdosipour on the programme, only to be barred from the studio because of his appearance.

Ferdosipour was forced to explain his absence live on air, saying: "You must be aware that Carles Puyol was scheduled to be with us tonight. However, he is in his hotel right now. I did everything I could but it didn't happen. I apologise."

Spain beat Iran 1-0 (Image: AFP)

News website Entekhab reported the story, claiming that Puyol was turned away by the studio upon arrival.

Iran has no official policy on appearance, but television companies are strictly told not to broadcast anything that may be considered "un-Islamic".

The country's football federation say national team players mustn't have hairstyles which "help spread foreign culture".